By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia City Star
The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, has called for the establishment of Environment and Climate Clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions across the state to promote environmental awareness, encourage climate action and strengthen sustainable development.
Ogbonna made the appeal during a visit to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, where he participated in a meeting with heads of government-owned and private tertiary institutions. He used the engagement to highlight the importance of involving young people in environmental protection and equipping them with the knowledge needed to address emerging climate challenges.
The Commissioner explained that the initiative followed a communication from the Federal Ministry of Environment dated March 31, 2026, on establishing Environment and Climate Clubs and Societies in schools. He noted that the programme was launched nationally on November 21, 2025, by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.
According to Ogbonna, the initiative comes at an important time for Abia State, particularly following its impressive performance in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (SCGPRR 3.0). The state reportedly advanced from 28th position in the previous assessment to second place nationally.
He said the achievement had strengthened the state’s determination to improve its climate governance framework and sustain its progress. He added that Governor Alex Otti had called for broader participation across sectors to consolidate the gains and position Abia to achieve first place in the next national assessment.
The Environment Commissioner stressed that schools have a critical responsibility to prepare young people to respond effectively to environmental challenges. He urged the management of educational institutions to embrace the initiative and ensure that the proposed clubs serve as practical centres for environmental education, innovation and community-based action.
Ogbonna explained that the clubs would help develop a generation of environmentally responsible students who understand the importance of protecting natural resources and addressing climate change. Beyond raising awareness, the programme is expected to introduce students to the circular economy, sustainable alternative livelihoods and environmental entrepreneurship.
He noted that these areas could also expose young people to emerging green-economy opportunities, encourage the development of environmentally friendly businesses and support the creation of green jobs. The clubs are also expected to provide a platform for students to participate more actively in climate governance and sustainability programmes within their communities.
The Commissioner further disclosed that outstanding institutions could have opportunities to participate in international climate engagements, including the Conference of the Parties (COP), subject to relevant selection arrangements. Such exposure, he said, could enable students to learn from global environmental practices, interact with other climate stakeholders and contribute ideas towards addressing environmental problems.
He therefore called on the management of tertiary institutions to work closely with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant stakeholders to establish, coordinate and sustain the clubs. He also encouraged schools to incorporate practical activities such as tree planting, proper waste disposal, recycling, environmental sanitation and climate education into their programmes.
Ogbonna maintained that environmental sustainability requires the collective commitment of government institutions, schools, communities and individuals. He expressed confidence that involving students in environmental initiatives would help strengthen Abia’s climate governance performance and support further progress in future national rankings.
In her response, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, assured that the ministry would respond positively to the proposal, signalling its readiness to support efforts to expand environmental awareness and climate action across educational institutions in the state.
The Environment Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by Mr. Chris Ike, Head of the Department of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment.
The proposed establishment of Environment and Climate Clubs represents an opportunity to connect classroom learning with practical environmental responsibility, encouraging students to become active participants in building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Abia State.
